Feature: Coronation celebrations | We reveal King Charles III’s personal watch collection
As the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla draws ever closer, we take a look back at King Charles’ many years of appreciation for luxury timepieces.
It comes as no surprise the stylish King is also a discerning watch collector. Many of his timepieces reflect his character and show his appreciation of heritage, with watches of the highest provenance and horological history such as his exquisite Parmigiani and Breguet. Other timepieces reflect his love of tradition like his Jaeger-LeCoultre or Patek Philippe. The King’s watches certainly tell us at least one thing: he is an astute watch collector.
So, if you would like a wrist worthy of a king, the timepieces below are an ideal selection. All of these brands are available to purchase instantly on Watchfinder, meaning you could have a regal timepiece on your wrist in time for the coronation.
The King’s favourite: Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph
The King’s current and favourite watch is his Parmigiani Fleurier Toric Chronograph. This piece from legendary watch designer Parmigiani Fleurier is a relatively understated model for a monarch but is steeped in history.
The Toric was the first watch developed by Parmigiani's founder Michel Parmigiani in 1996 to announce the brand’s arrival onto the watch market. While Parmigiani is not a household name like Rolex (worn by Prince Harry), it is a watchmaker renowned for its horological prowess and fine craftsmanship and exemplifies the King’s refined taste for watches. The watch has been a favourite of the King, who has been seen wearing it at his first official state appearance, during Prince Harry’s wedding and in his most recent official photograph. The watch is thought to have been bought for him while on a skiing trip to Switzerland in the late 1990s and has been an almost constant companion ever since.
2000’s: Breguet Ref. 3680 B
Breguet has always had a unique relationship with royalty, with the brand gaining its first royal client in 1775 when it garnered the attention of King Louis XVI. Since then, its list of prolific admirers has grown to include Marie-Antoinette, King George IV and even Napoleon Bonaparte. King Charles joined this exclusive list in 2008 when he was gifted an incredibly special, one-of-a-kind Breguet.
This model features beautifully intricate complications set in an 18k gold case. The back of the watch features a personalised inscription for his birthday and the Prince of Wales Seal stating “in commemoration of your 60th Birthday. 14 November 2008”.
1980s: Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
Jaeger-LeCoultre has long been a favourite of British monarchs, with King Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, having adorned an exquisite diamond-encrusted Jaeger-LeCoultre at her coronation in 1953. As a King, and an extremely keen polo player, it is no surprise that King Charles is enamoured with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, the "go to" choice of watch for the world's polo elite.
Thanks to its reversible face which protects it from the hard knocks and bashes of vigorous sporting activity, this sleek-yet-rugged timepiece is perfect for a polo-playing king.
1980s: Santos De Cartier
Cartier has long been a favourite jeweller of the royal family, with four generations of royals—including the Queen Mother and Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. But the royal’s obsession with Cartier does not stop there, with the late Queen Elizabeth owning a rare Cartier Tank Cintrée and former Princess of Wales, Diana, often spotted wearing her Cartier Tank.
Throughout the early 1980s, King Charles was often seen wearing his incredible two-tone Santos de Cartier. This stylish but utilitarian watch is the epitome of 80s fashion, with this particular model disregarding the usual integrated metal bracelet for a more traditional leather strap.
1970s: Patek Philippe Calatrava Date
One of King Charles’ favourite watches is his Patek Philippe Calatrava Date. This is often said to be a reference 2551, which is in fact a misnomer as Charles’ watch features a date window. This pared-down and elegant watch is often said to be one of the King’s favourites and features a solid gold 35mm case and recessed crown.
Princess Diana was also keen on the Calatrava, baby-sitting it on many occasions while the King played polo, wearing his watch alongside her own Patek.
1971: Hamilton ‘Fab Four’ Chronograph.
The Hamilton "Fab Four" Chronograph is a somewhat understated watch which some may say is not fit for a king. This timepiece is thought to be one of King Charles’ most affordable watches, coming in at around £2,500.
The King obtained this watch during his time jet training in the Royal Air Force and wore it due to Hamilton's history with U.S and British Naval Aviators. The piece was a gift from one of Charles’ friends and was worn by the King on a utilitarian NATO strap. A perfect timepiece for an aviator.
Bonus watch: Hublot Classic Fusion Prince's Trust.
A watch associated with King Charles but not necessarily worn by him is the Hublot Classic Fusion Prince's Trust edition. This vivid blue timepiece was made in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, featuring the seal of the Prince on the watch face.
Through the partnership, £750 was donated to the Prince’s Trust for each model sold with proceeds donated to support people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country. The partnership was limited to just 100 pieces and, as a result, the Prince’s Trust model is a highly sought-after watch.
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